Basic life skills are vital to learn as a young adult and to refresh periodically as modern society changes. Directgov, the United Kingdom's government digital service, defines basic life skills as proficiencies in reading, writing, math, research and communications technology. Although many of these skills are learned before graduation from high school, continuation and community education can fill in the gaps for adults.
Money Management
Basic money-management skills include budgeting, the use of credit cards and checking accounts, and understanding the importance of savings. The American Bankers Association says savings skills should be taught early in life to develop lifelong habits of sound money management. The ABA points to the financial downturn of 2009 as a "teachable moment" for students. Money-management skills also include control over personal buying patterns. Consumerism skills offer the ability to distinguish between life's needs and wants. Mastery of these skills focuses on the value and development of a personal buying guide that includes the ability to analyze product advertising.
Stress Management
The Patient Education Institute of the National Institutes of Health recommends mastering skills to manage tension and stress. Management skills include development of a physical release, such as participation in a sport or exercise activity. These skills also involve the analysis of events that require action and those best left to others, but the most important skills in this area involve a basic knowledge of the importance of relaxation in life.
Coping Skills
Sometimes referred to as "soft skills" because of the lack of obvious signs of mastery, coping skills involve the ability to make decisions and the ability to handle success and failure. "Failure is an inevitable--and essential--part of life," Dr. Jim Taylor of the University of San Francisco wrote in the September 2009 issue of "Psychology Today" magazine. Taylor says failure teaches the life skills of "commitment, patience, determination, decision-making and problem-solving."
Communication
Basic communication skills include speaking, listening, writing and the ability to interpret nonverbal communication clues. Many colleges, including the branch campuses of the University of California and Indiana University, require entering students to take a test of basic writing skills. California high schools and universities require passing a basic communication course before graduation in recognition of the role that communication plays in life.
Health & Wellness
Health and wellness also is a basic life skill. UNICEF maintains that learning health skills provides a greater opportunity to practice healthy behaviors. The basic skills include understanding physical and mental health, nutrition and fitness, and personal safety. The development of a social life and the link between disease and health also are crucial skills. The importance of regular health and dental care also should be learned for a successful life. Health also includes nutritional life skills that involve healthy eating, an understanding of the caloric system and the ability to plan nutritious meals and snacks.
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